Native kereru (wood pigeon) have favourite trees in the valley that they visit when the trees have fruit (puriri, nikau palm, plums) or leaves they like (kowhai and buds of deciduous pip fruit and stone fruit in spring).
The few larger trees and larger areas of dense cover are very important for attracting and keeping the native birds. The steep banks on both sides of the valley are where clusters of these larger trees, tree ferns and denser shrubs are – the natural topography is a great asset for wildlife as well as screening neighbours.
Having some undisturbed areas away from people where leaves and branches or even logs can be put and left to rot where it is shaded (maybe under a hedge or tree) are important places where native lizards (skinks), and good garden insects (spiders and other insect predators) can live. Many native insects need soft leaf litter to overwinter in – they die in bare soil or bark chip. These will help native birds (who also eat insects).
The most important thing you could do for our native animals is pest control. Talk to Margot if you are interested. For more information on plants that help native birds, lizards and insects go to:
http://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/garden-advice/garden-tips/biodiversity/
